Having just returned from Alajuelita, we want to report on our visits with Arturo, Karol and the Love At Work Ministries team. As always, it was wonderful to gather and break bread together and to feel the energy of people so committed to helping children and families build better lives.
One of our primary discussions was around the crime and violence in areas like Tejarcillos, where the LifeCenter is located.
To give you an idea how problematic the situation is, we were preparing to have a party for the kids on Friday, which was a national holiday. Love At Work School was closed, and since it was Holy Week, many kids and their families were leaving for a few days to visit relatives or go to the beach or parks.
But not the kids who live in Tejarcillos. Friday was just another day in the slum for them.
A Party Had Been Planned, But Then . . .
The staff had planned a party for the children at the LifeCenter. But early Thursday morning, 3:00 AM, there was another report of 3 assassinations in Tejarcillos. This time all three were women who stored drugs for one of the gangs. The police closed the LifeCenter on Thursday. We had a discussion that evening on whether to go ahead with the party or not.
Let the Children Come!
The team decided to do it . . . for the kids who live in this reality every day, where families struggle to put food on the table, let alone go on vacation or have a party.
Looking back . . . it was definitely the right decision. There’s no way to describe the amazing time these kids had! The LifeCenter was at capacity. They made crafts, they put icing and sprinkles on cookies, smiled, laughed . . . what an amazing time all had!
God Has Blessed Us!
We are pleased to report that despite all these challenges, Love At Work Ministries has had a good year. We have much for which to be grateful. God has blessed 3215 people through the ministry this year! Through the School, the LifeCenter, Love At Work Church, the Clinic, and our Costa Rica team.
And, it's hard to believe, but we are serving an average of 4686 meals each month! Really, we are having a complete impact in the Tejarcillos slum where almost all 2500 families are being blessed in some way.
Our Brave, Committed Team
We are so proud of the brave, committed team we are working so hard in this environment every day to help these kids break free of this destructive cycle of poverty, spreading the Good News that God loves them, that His love is real, that God has a purpose for them. They'll never forget that!
Without intervention, we will lose many of them. The sad truth is these children from high risk areas end up selling either drugs or their bodies, most of whom start around the age of 10 or 12. This means many of the kids at this party are vulnerable.
Scholarships and New LifeCenter Alajuelita
Right now we have six kids, whose scholarships to Love At Work School are only 30% funded. Three of these students -- Jimena, NaMaria and Wilber were at Friday's party. We need more recurring donors at $25 or more per month to fulfill our commitment to them.
On the right is Jimena (7)
NaMaria (8)
Wilber (11)
Also, we are in need of a 30 passenger van. What a blessing it will be for all when we can transport them and their families to and from the slums each day to safe places like Love At Work School, Church and the new LifeCenter Alajuelita when completed. A new bus costs $95,000, but a used one can be purchased for half the price.
Recognizing the wealth of skills and information each of you possess, we’re inviting you to participate with us in helping achieve these goals. The need is urgent, and the souls and lives of these kids are at stake!
Thank you for your faithful and selfless service to the ministry. We are looking forward to working together more closely over the next year.
Larry and Carole
Give with Confidence
Love At Work Ministries has earned the Candid's highest Platinum Seal demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. Of 1.8 million non-profits in the U.S. less than 1% receive Candid's Platinum Seal.
Through your generosity and our talented team, Love At Work Ministries is expanding opportunities in the areas of Education, Nutrition & Health Care, Housing, Outreach, and Discipleship . . . spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to 1000s of individuals each year. Our organization includes LAW Christian School, the Life Center (Feeding / Tutoring / Adult Training), the Dental Clinic, the Housing Ministry and, of course, LAW Church.
